Ambel shares his excitement and initial impressions after acquiring the Patek Philippe Ref. 5170P, a highly anticipated platinum chronograph. His detailed review highlights the watch's striking blue-black gradient dial, the surprising appeal of its diamond markers, and the exceptional performance of the in-house Caliber CH29-535PS movement, offering a valuable owner's perspective on this significant reference.
This weekend I received the long awaited call from my AD: the 5170P has arrived.
So first spot I found in my agenda, I drove to Brussels (De Greef) to pick up my 1st chrono op Patek.
Since it's preview @Basel, fell in love with the 5170P and immediately placed an order.
I know that there is a lot of talk in comparison between 5070P vs 5170P. And I already was, but now certainly am pro 5170P.
The dial :
it's beautiful color gradation blue/black. It's impossible to make a great photo of the color, but depending on color/angle/... it's color is always different
the diamond markers do not bother at all. For me there are even a big pro to the dial (and this from a person whom is against jewelry for men).
position of chrono is for me perfectly aligned. I am no fan at all of numbers (f.e. 2/4/...) being cut in half because of the chrono or other subdials
The hands (hour/minute/sec) very well executed and matching color of platinum. Very nice touch of having the chrono hands (seconds, minutes) painted white (very nice contrast for the entire watch)
The Movement:
Many will opt for the Lemania mouvement of the 5070P, but I chose the in house calibre CH29-535PS. I have several chrono (Rolex, Minerva Villeret, GP) and must say that's the start/stop reset function of this is incredible smooth. And the reset function is unbeliavable (you do not feel anything).
The back movement is also to die for.
The case
Is very good and matches perfectly with the 5170. But must admit that the case and symmetry of the 5070 is more special. This is thus for me the only part where the 5070P outwins the 5170P.
Needless to say that I was happy as a small child once entering my AD.
Totally love this reference (a nice "blue" addidtion next to my 5130P and 5711), and am sure that I will often wear this beautiful reference the coming days/weeks/months/year/decades.
And now I will let the pictures speak for themselves (sorry but all taken with my iPhone).
Alex
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5070
The Patek Philippe reference 5070, part of the Complications collection, marked a significant return for the brand to large-format chronographs. Introduced in 1998, it was the first non-perpetual calendar chronograph produced by Patek Philippe since the reference 1463, which ceased production in the early 1960s. Its design drew inspiration from a unique Patek Philippe aviator's watch from the 1940s, characterized by its prominent case and dial layout, yet reinterpreted for a contemporary audience. This reference established a new aesthetic direction for the brand's chronographs, moving towards more substantial case dimensions.
The watch features a 42mm case, initially offered in 18k yellow gold, housing the manual-winding Caliber CH 27-70. This movement, based on a Nouvelle Lémania ébauche, was extensively finished and modified by Patek Philippe, meeting the brand's stringent quality standards. It provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The dial, in this specific configuration, is black, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The fixed bezel frames the dial, and the watch is typically fitted with a leather strap.
Reference 5070 appeals to collectors interested in modern Patek Philippe chronographs that combine traditional movement architecture with a more contemporary case size. Its limited production run and the subsequent introduction of variants in other precious metals contribute to its collectibility. The reference represents a distinct period in Patek Philippe's chronograph history, bridging vintage inspirations with a new era of larger watch designs.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal.CH 27-70
- Case
- 18k yellow gold
- Diameter
- 42mm
- Dial
- black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5130
The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5130, introduced in 2006, is a World Time watch that succeeded the popular reference 5110. This model maintained the distinctive World Time complication, allowing for simultaneous display of time in 24 different time zones. Its design evolved with a slightly larger case and updated dial aesthetics, distinguishing it from its predecessor while retaining the core functionality that defines Patek Philippe's travel timepieces. It was produced until 2017.
The watch features an 18k rose gold case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 9.8mm in thickness, housing the self-winding Caliber 240 HU movement. This ultra-thin movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back, provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The dial is silver or opaline with a guilloché center, protected by a sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.
Reference 5130 appeals to collectors seeking a sophisticated travel complication from Patek Philippe. Its larger case size compared to the 5110 offered a more contemporary presence on the wrist, while its classic World Time mechanism remained a hallmark of the brand's technical prowess. The model was available in various precious metals, with the rose gold variant offering a warm aesthetic.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal.240 HU
- Case
- 18k rose gold
- Diameter
- 39.5mm
- Dial
- Silver / opaline guilloché
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5170
The Chronograph reference 5170, introduced in 2010, marked a significant development for Patek Philippe as it was the first serially produced chronograph to feature a fully in-house manufactured movement. This reference succeeded the reference 5070, transitioning from a Lemania-based caliber to a proprietary design, underscoring the brand's commitment to integrated manufacturing for its complications. It represents a modern interpretation of a classic chronograph layout within the Patek Philippe catalog.
The reference 5170 features a case measuring 39.4 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness, available in 18k white, rose, or yellow gold. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS, which offers a power reserve of 65 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30 meters. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing its intricate finishing.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a contemporary Patek Philippe chronograph with an in-house movement. Early variants, such as the yellow gold reference 5170J-001, featured a pulsometer scale, which was later replaced by a minute track on subsequent iterations. The various metal options and dial configurations provide distinct aesthetic choices for collectors, reflecting different periods of its production run.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39.4 mm
- Dial
- Silver, Black, or Opaline
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5130P
The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5130P is a world time watch, distinguished by its platinum case and a dial that displays 24 time zones simultaneously. This reference replaced the earlier 5110, introducing a slightly larger case diameter and a redesigned dial with a more prominent central guilloché pattern and updated city disk typography. It represents a continuation of Patek Philippe's long-standing tradition in world time complications, a feature first patented by Louis Cottier in 1931 and subsequently adopted by the brand. The 5130P offers a practical and visually engaging way to track global time.
Crafted in platinum, the 5130P features a 39.5mm case with a polished finish, characteristic of Patek Philippe's precious metal offerings. It houses the self-winding caliber 240 HU, a thin movement known for its micro-rotor construction, which contributes to the watch's relatively slender profile. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back, allowing appreciation of its finishing. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a sophisticated travel complication in a precious metal execution. The platinum case, denoted by the 'P' in the reference number, often features a small diamond set into the case band at 6 o'clock, a subtle hallmark of Patek Philippe's platinum watches. The 5130P was produced alongside other metal variants, offering collectors a choice in material while maintaining the core world time functionality. Its design and mechanical complexity position it as a significant piece within the Complications collection.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Caliber 240 HU
- Case
- Platinum
- Diameter
- 39.5mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire